Published: Friday, January 11, 2013 at 05:02 PM.

FORT WALTON BEACH — Okaloosa elementary, middle and high school students described how they were “Living the Legacy” on Saturday in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration’s 18th annual Oratorical and Poster Contest.

The contest at Fort Walton Beach High School is a way to showcase the area’s talented youth, said Wanjiku Jackson, co-chair of the event. It brings the community together and engages them in remembering King and his teachings.

“It’s not just for African Americans,” Jackson said. “Dr. King’s legacy is for all people.”

In the poster contest, students conveyed their messages in a variety of ways. On one poster, a student described how to defend someone dealing with bullies. On another, the student decorated the poster with masks to symbolize people showing their true selves.

Ivy Chastain of Fort Walton Beach High School placed photos of leaders influenced by King inside a picture of the world. She wanted to draw attention to other people who upheld the movement for equality and freedom, she said.

“I don’t think people looking at this always understand the difference these people made,” Chastain said.

In the oratorical contest, many students spoke of King’s life, highlighting key moments in the civil rights movement. Others described how he inspired them to create their own legacy.

Daylen Boyd of Pryor Middle School said he has the same opportunity as other students to get a quality education, thanks to King’s work. He and his friends all enjoy the same freedoms. There’s nothing standing between him and his legacy.

“The thing that can hold me back is me,” Boyd said.

King’s legacy of compassion and courage still lives on in leaders like President Barack Obama, said Shakyra Sanders of Choctawhatchee High School.

“The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King gives me hope for a better tomorrow,” she said.

FORT WALTON BEACH — Okaloosa elementary, middle and high school students described how they were “Living the Legacy” on Saturday in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration’s 18th annual Oratorical and Poster Contest.

The contest at Fort Walton Beach High School is a way to showcase the area’s talented youth, said Wanjiku Jackson, co-chair of the event. It brings the community together and engages them in remembering King and his teachings.

“It’s not just for African Americans,” Jackson said. “Dr. King’s legacy is for all people.”

In the poster contest, students conveyed their messages in a variety of ways. On one poster, a student described how to defend someone dealing with bullies. On another, the student decorated the poster with masks to symbolize people showing their true selves.

Ivy Chastain of Fort Walton Beach High School placed photos of leaders influenced by King inside a picture of the world. She wanted to draw attention to other people who upheld the movement for equality and freedom, she said.

“I don’t think people looking at this always understand the difference these people made,” Chastain said.

In the oratorical contest, many students spoke of King’s life, highlighting key moments in the civil rights movement. Others described how he inspired them to create their own legacy.

Daylen Boyd of Pryor Middle School said he has the same opportunity as other students to get a quality education, thanks to King’s work. He and his friends all enjoy the same freedoms. There’s nothing standing between him and his legacy.

“The thing that can hold me back is me,” Boyd said.

King’s legacy of compassion and courage still lives on in leaders like President Barack Obama, said Shakyra Sanders of Choctawhatchee High School.

“The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King gives me hope for a better tomorrow,” she said.